v. t. [ Pref. a- + mate. ] To be a mate to; to match. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t. [ OF. amater, amatir. ] To dismay; to dishearten; to daunt. [ Obs. or Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]
The Silures, to amate the new general, rumored the overthrow greater than was true. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F., fr. L. amator lover, fr. amare to love. ] A person attached to a particular pursuit, study, or science as to music or painting; esp. one who cultivates any study or art, from taste or attachment, without pursuing it professionally. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. In the style of an amateur; superficial or defective like the work of an amateur. --
n. Behavior that demonstrates a lack of professional competency. [ WordNet 1.5 ]
n. The practice, habit, or work of an amateur. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality or character of an amateur. [ 1913 Webster ]